72 Cj5 Leaf Spring Shackle Bracket

Hi all,

I have a question about the front shackle hanger bracket on my CJ5, when I had it in for an alignment a few weeks ago the guy said I should replace that bracket, but I don't see why. It's pretty solid, no rust, it just has the one area that's a little chewed up but the rest is solid (I beat the hell out of it getting the bushing out of it and it seemed like it was). I really don't want to have to replace it if I can help it, it's welded to the frame, has a rivet that would have to be drilled or ground out, and the bolt in the rear is not accessible unless I remove the winch plate and the steering box. Should I replace it?

Another question, I got the new U bolts from Quadratec and they are the right size, but they are not as heavy duty as the ones that came off it. Would I be better off just reusing the old ones, the new ones seem a little "wimpy" to me. They aren't the same diameter, the nuts require a different socket.

Thanks in advance for any help...

Jeff

 

The hanger is fine IMO, they were never the weak spot. The frame above it was. If the frame is fine, leave it alone.

The U-bolts, I think I’d avoid re-using the old ones, return the new ones, and order a set from Stengel Bros. You can get them any size you want, and they’re quick at shipping.
Round Bend U-bolts - Stengel Bros. Inc.

 

Hi, thanks for the reply. Good idea on the ubolts, I actually had to go to a spring shop to get the bushings and they make ubolts, had them done in 10 minutes! Thanks for the idea...

 

I like to lop mu U bolts off flush with the bottom of the nut. That helps eliminate the threaded ends from getting bent like your old one.
I have also found that a torch will make stubborn bushing removal a lot easier. burn out the inner sleeve, pry out the elastomer bushing, then you can use a sawsall to cut through the outer bushing wall. Be careful you don't overdo it and wind up cutting through your hanger as well.

 

Thanks for the advice all, I got it all up and working again. I did accidentally cut into the hanger bracket a little with the saw but it's not that bad.